“Dr. Rodriguez, you are the team lead for Biome 1. I trust you will find the setup to be satisfactory.”

Emanuel acknowledged the statement with a nod, but Dr. Hoffman had already refocused on the glowing cluster of images. He flicked the sphere and it rejoined the group, the layers of the facility once again sharpening. He hesitated with a finger to his lip and studied the other circles before plucking another one from the cluster. “Biome 2 is the pond. Traditionally, other Biosphere projects included an alternative source of water, packed with a variety of species of fish. We debated designing one with an ocean and coral reef, which has been done in the past. However, our engineers decided to keep it simple. Biome 2 is exactly that. It is your water source—nothing more, nothing less. Remember, the end goal is to have a fully functioning facility producing food and resources by the time the ship lands on the Red Planet. This will be a modern-day Noah’s Ark, if you will.” With a raised brow he caught Emanuel’s gaze. “You will be the lead for this Biome as well, Doctor.”

Another quick flick of his index finger, and Biome 2 disappeared back into the cluster. He reached for the third sphere, checking his wristwatch.

“I have a quick question,” Saafi said, his voice just loud enough to be heard at the front of the room.

Dr. Hoffman suddenly looked very stern, as if annoyed by the interruption. “Go ahead,” he said.

“I’m having a hard time understanding how the pond biome will operate in space, on whatever ship NTC decides to take to Mars.”

With a smile, Dr. Hoffman plucked the third biome from among the others. “That’s because the artificial gravity device NTC has been designing is still confidential. But rest assured, Mr. Yool, the gravity on whatever ship we decide to take to Mars will be almost identical to what you experience here.”

Emanuel glanced over at Saafi to see a wide grin on the man’s face. Everyone on the team had heard the rumors of the artificial gravity experiments NTC was conducting, but none of them knew it was so close to designing a functional device.

Dr. Hoffman stepped away from the third sphere. “Since we are rushed for time, I won’t spend long on the livestock biome.” He stopped to point out several horizontal lines cutting through the image. “As you can see, the chamber is divided into subsections. These lines represent electric walls that separate the animals from one another. Dr. Rodriguez will be in charge of this biome.”

Dr. Hoffman flicked the sphere away and retrieved the last circle. “This is Biome 4, the largest area in the Biosphere in terms of square footage. It is broken down into several unique spaces to meet the team’s individual needs. There’s a state-of-the-art medical ward, a kitchen and mess hall, a command center, and barracks with bathrooms. We have gone to great lengths to make sure these conditions are as comfortable as possible. Inside the barracks, you will find private quarters. Obviously every biome will be closely monitored. Dr. Brown will be in charge of the medical ward, while Mr. Roberts and Mr. Yool maintain the command center.”